Page:Life and journals of Kah-ke-wa-quo-na-by.djvu/253

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about twenty acres, which promise a good crop. We found a white man and his family among this people, a blacksmith by trade. This man has been sent here by Sir John Colborne to work for the Indians. I hope he may be useful amongst them. At 10, a. m., our brethren we left behind arrived, and were warmly received by this band. This day I introduced Bros. James Currie and David Sawyer to the Indian brethren as their teachers, sent to them by the Methodist Missionary Society.

Tuesday 14th. — We had an early prayer meeting. I informed the Chief it was necessary that a house should be built for their teachers to live in. He readily promised to assist us with his men in raising the building and providing bark for the roof. We then selected the location, and commenced at once in clearing the ground and cutting the logs, and hawling them to the spot. The size of the log hut was 20 × 15 feet. At noon we had religious service, and again in the evening. Several of our own men exhorted, and we had precious seasons; for the Lord was with us.

Wednesday 15th. — At our morning meeting I distributed several copies of our new Ojebway Hymn Book to the class leaders, and to such as might be able to read them. They were highly delighted with these books. Went to Penetanguishene, accompanied by Chief Asance. The distance is about ten miles. We saw several poor pagans who were still under the influence of fire water. We tried to persuade them to go and join their brethren at Matchjedash, but to no avail. We saw the women drinking with the men. One woman had her face painted red with vermillion; her ears were loaded with earlets. and her nose with nose jewels. What a strange effect habit has on the various nations of the earth! What is considered a great deformity by one nation is considered a great beauty by another. The use of fantastic ornaments might be tolerated in a rude,